Rejuvenate Your Spirit This Holiday Season

CAPE MAY – Expand your palate, rejuvenate your spirit and celebrate the most joyful season of the year with friends and family over gourmet meals, fine wines and much more this Christmas season in Cape May. The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) is offering special food and wine events to savor the best flavors of the holidays in Cape May – the city the New York Times calls the “restaurant capital of New Jersey” – from Nov. 16 through Jan. 1, 2013.
Celebrate the fall harvest with a five-course dinner paired with a selection of wines at the award-winning Mad Batter restaurant during the Mad Batter Wine Dinner-“Flavors of Fall” on Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $75 per person (tax and gratuity included). The dinner is limited to 60.
There are two opportunities for experiencing the Cape May Wine Trail this holiday season. Spend the afternoon visiting Cape May County’s wineries and sampling the unique flavors of each. Board the MAC trolley at the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., then enjoy lunch at Lucky Bones Backwater Grille. After lunch the trolley will take you to Natali Vineyards and Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery, where you’ll learn about viniculture and visit the tasting rooms. $60 per person includes lunch, wine tastings at each vineyard and a wine tasting glass. These are limited events, so reserve early. 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 24 and Dec. 29.
The man in the jolly red suit will be coming to town and visiting the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., for Breakfast with Santa at 10 a.m.Saturdays, Nov. 24, Dec. 1, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15. Share a family-friendly breakfast buffet with Santa at the Inn of Cape May. Children can visit with Santa Claus and hear a Christmas story; they are encouraged to bring their Christmas lists. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children (ages-12) and includes a special treat for the kids.
New this year is an additional opportunity to spend time with Santa Claus during Dinner with Santa on Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. Enjoy a family-friendly dinner buffet at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., as children visit with Santa and hear a Christmas story. Christmas lists will be accepted and Santa will have treats for the kids. Adult admission is $25 and admission for children (ages 3-12) is $15.
Are you a wine lover? The Cape May Wine Weekend, Dec. 7 through Dec. 9, will triple your enjoyment – packaging together a four-course Wine Tasting Dinner at the Washington Inn on Friday evening, a Saturday afternoon Winery Cellar Tour at Cape May Winery and a Sunday Wine School Class, for a weekend of total indulgence. Admission for the entire package is $135 (gratuity not included.) Sunday’s Cape May Wine School Class, “Sparkling Wines for the Holidays” maybe purchased separately. Before you pop the cork, prepare for your holiday celebrations by tasting delicious sparkling wines perfect for holiday celebrations, on Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. at the Washington Inn, 801 Washington St. Admission is $30.
C’mon girls … this is all about you! Leave the kids and your significant other behind on Dec. 8 and join us at 9:30 a.m. for Brunch, Bingo & Lace, a morning of brunch, bingo and a fashion show at The Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., just for you from the lovely ladies at Cape May’s Lace Silhouettes and the Cotton Company. This morning event is a great way to bond with your girlfriends and have loads of fun. $25 admission includes a brunch buffet, fashion show, bingo and eligibility for prizes.
Celebrate the holidays with a festive five-course dinner paired with a selection of wines at the famous Mad Batter restaurant during the Mad Batter Wine Dinner- “Happy Holidays” on Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. The dinner is limited to 60 so reserve early. Admission is $75 per person (tax and gratuity included).
Attention foodies! Enjoy a five-course gourmet feast, with each course served in one of Cape May’s premier restaurants, during the spectacular Chefs’ Dine-Arounds. Thesepopular events sell out early so reserve ahead. Wine will be provided with each course, with a representative from the sponsoring winery on hand to explain the pairings. A trolley shuttles you between each restaurant and course. Chefs’ Dine-Arounds are on Dec. 26 and Dec. 27 at 6 p.m. Admission is $125 per person (gratuity included). Limited to 34 people.
Spend an afternoon at the award-winning Cape May Winery, 711 Town Bank Rd. during the Winery Cellar Tour & Tastings. Tour the vineyard to see how the grapes are grown and then visit the winery where you’ll be introduced to the winemaker’s art. Savor a barrel tasting accompanied by cheese and fruit. Admission is $20 and includes a complimentary souvenir tasting glass. Offered at 3 p.m. Nov. 17; Nov. 23 through Nov. 25, and daily Dec. 1 through Dec. 31 (No tours from Dec. 23 through Dec. 25). Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth.